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May 17th, 2012
Patrick Muldoon Speaks Out On His Exit from Days of our Lives!

Courtesy/NBC

Patrick Muldoon, who was part of the first wave of casting casualties, as Days of our Lives tries again to reposition itself with the audience and the ratings, opened up to Soap Opera Digest in the latest issue on newsstands now! Muldoon expressed his disappointment at how Austin Reed was portrayed and shared what he had hoped would have happened in his return to the role after 18 years away from Salem. Here are a few excerpts below!

Patrick discussing what went wrong with his return to DAYS: “I was all set to come back and be the romantic hero with a broken heart. That’s who the guy was when I left. What I walked back into was pretty much the disintegration of Austin. Not one thing went right for him. I thought that was out of the ordinary and pretty creative. Truthfully, Austin and Carrie had to be broken up anyway for story. But in the back of my head, when I would get the scripts, I was always waiting for that turn where the character would be allowed to be heroic and not passive. That’s who Austin was when I originally played him. So leaving, without seeing that happen, was sad for me.”

Patrick on if he sensed there were potential problems that would leave to him being written-off the series: “I would have really liked to be around to see Austin man up and claim what is his. When I thought Austin was really strong, the story continued that he was passive. That’s not our former head writers, Marlene McPherson and Darrell Ray Thomas’s fault. Those decisions were made by whoever behind the scenes. I didn’t necessarily know I was leaving. I just sensed something was up.”

So what do you think about how DAYS wrote Austin? Are you sad to see Patrick go from the series? Let us know!

I hate to agree because I hated AP in his run and PM is a vastly superior actor but, yeah, it is one of these times where the character somehow got away from its creator even if people always thought of *him* as the character. It is a bit the same with Billie, I think. I know LR *is* Billie but somehow she is not playing Billie the way we think of Billie now.
Anyway a lot of people have come down on the fact PM looks older than Austin is supposed to be which is part of it but I think the interview illuminates the deeper problem. Austin was *not* the character PM describes anymore by the time AP was done with him but we had gotten used to who he was – good-hearted dumb-as-stumps Austin. That PM didn’t realize that certainly explains the misunderstanding. Too much water under the bridge.
In the end I do feel it was a waste of a return because, in the understandable urge to break Austin and Carrie up for sake of story, they didn’t play them in a sympathetic or compelling light. It is too bad coz those two are good characters and two good actors.
Also, instead of putting bland Rafe with every woman of that age group, I think an Austin/Nicole testing of the waters would have been interesting and had more story potential.

LOL… “…good-hearted dumb-as-stumps Austin.” Too Funny. it’s true. Austin Peck grew on us. When he moved to ATWT… then OLTL.. low and behold.. soap digest etc… were praising his acting chops…. LOL. He Manned up. that being said… the original, Patrick Muldoon… with the current writers… didn’t have a chance…. He does have a comedic side to him…. I laughed out loud with him… in his acting the well done story… with the couger Abby. The lil hot vixen. I sincerely liked having him and carrie…. home… we grew up with so many day time actors… HEY, I READILY ADMIT… I’VE BEEN WATCHING SOAPS FOR OVER 30 YEARS. When patrick muldoon, was on the first time, and the ORIGINAL, i was just as excited for his and carrie’s return. the writing was so much better.

Carrie is the one i’m going to miss the most. She’s perfect with Sammi, and Marlena… I’ll say this for the last time… She was very believeable with RAFE. yeah, rafe’s acting is always “suspect”. he’s easy on the eyes. but, with Carrie… they have chemistry. i read in soap digest.. that she’s pregnant… easy way out for her and austin to re-unite and leave salem…. TOO BAD. Carrie’s a heroine and just as good as Sammi.

like you said… Billie’s, Lisa Rinna, is our original… however, it’s not the same… they’re not writing for her as well… people screamed and freaked… when she came between Bo & Hope… so what to do? I honestly, liked her with Robert Kelker-Kelly… dag! the reaked SEX together. HOT. also, because of the writing… I really liked Krista Allen: remember when she lost Georgia? Man, I cried… that was so good. So, alas, i’m a devoted follower of Lisa Rinna’s… however, unless they find someone for her… and i don’t see it with Daniel… i’ll get over billie as well.

Sorry, Jack. they shouldn’t have had him, being held hostage… he should have been with Jenn and Abby from the get go… and interacting with Adrienne, and Justine… and working at the paper… being a sleuth… like the old days…

if Sarah Brown, goes back to GH.. like fans want… Johnny is an excellent actor… i think she’d be good with Jason…. which, i must say… i, so far, don’t like how they’re writing him and Sam…. i understand she’s pregnant with francos baby… jasons twin…. i still think sam… ok, robin’s alive, but sam, for story, should be with Patrick…. two lost “souls”… the love of their lives… “gone”. Patrick and Sam gravitating to each other…. she, wanting a family, and love… and Patrick… has to find a way to get over Robin… and give his daughter, a family.

Scott replied May 17th, 2012 at 11:20 pm

They really rested on hearing the names PATRICK MULDOON and CHRISTIE CLARK together again. I can honestly say they kept saying they kept hearing they wanted PM back, but I heard more more of a pro-AP movement.

SJB wouldn’t go back as Claudia. She’ll either retire from daytime or go back into primetime. Of course, they could welcome her back, but that is IF she decides she’d go back. But I don’t see a GH return for her, I think she’d rather go back to B&B. Or even do Y&R as Victoria.

metejt replied May 17th, 2012 at 5:15 pm

I couldn’t disagree with you more. Patrick Muldoon IS Austin. The writers have just butchered the character and it’s a damned shame. I’m SO disappointed in what Days is doing. Once again, it has become the “Sami Brady” show and that’s so boring it’s ridiculous. I had hoped DOOL was finally on the way to reclaiming it’s status but sadly they are just destroying it. I also agree, Austin with Nicole would be interesting. If they HAD to get rid of a character it should have been Rafe IMO.

I’m sorry but PM is not Austin. He’s too emotionally disconnected from the character. If AP had been playing this material, it would’ve been stronger and more of a welcome to people. Plus, PM doesn’t look attractive anymore. He looks 60. It’s NBC trying to control the series instead of letting the Head Writers do their jobs.

Lucy replied May 18th, 2012 at 2:31 am

Days is not much more a ‘Sami show’ than a Nicole show or a Rafe show or even a John/Marlena show..although these last two are core characters as well as Sami who drives story because she has the ties and the complex characterisation, dynamics with other important characters. End of story.

I was very sorry to hear Patrick was let go from Days. TPTB have made Austin look like a weepy, groveling wimp, which was not the way Austin ever was. I hope he finds work soon and am sad to see him go.

I am a fairly new viewer of Days (about 6 years now). I am a 40+ year fan of abc soaps and what I have discovered (and I know alot of you will go crazy) is the acting on Days sucks! They are writing Patrick M like a real idiot. While I realize he loves Carrie his declarations of love make me want to vomit. He maybe the original but it is no longer his role. Austin Peck was much better in the role. I do agree he is too old to play the role any longer. Speaking of old….. Lisa Rinna is a joke as Billie! Her scenes with Kate are laughable at best. Billie looks older than her mother! I always was a Lisa Rinna fan but the way she plays Billie is a joke. Her acting is starined and even she looks like she doesn’t believe herself. Just because an actor returns to a role he created doesn’t mean the role is still theirs. A perfect example of that is OLTL’s ” tale of 2 Todds” so many people wanted Trevor St. John to be Todd as he made the role his in the time he was there. Roger Howarth was the original but St. John evolved. Brilliant writing made the story work. Days is in need of some serious help right now and I do hope they can fix the show as I would hate to lose yet another soap.

I totally agree Austin makes me gag he is such a wimp OMG. Billie should be gone to sorry I can’t handle her either. What are they doing to Days I have watched it ever since it started and its getting to where I can’t handle watching it. If someone isn’t in bed sucking face – someone is having someone else’s baby. It use to have a story line now its getting to be so trashy I don’t look forward to watching it. When Sammi comes on I switch the channel. Need new writes

So sad what they did to Austin… Patrick is great and did well with what he was given. He’s absolutely adorable still and wish him the best in finding something else. DOOL is having it’s challenges and I am getting so tired of all of the shake-ups and repositioning and the Horton Town Square! They must have spent a mint on it because it is the star of the show.

Honestly, I thought Patrick was the one and only Austin, but something was missing this time around. DAYS keeps rebooting and promising happier days ahead. I’ve heard this for over a decade now. The show just does not work, and you can change the head writers and the producers, rotate cast members in and out continuously, but the common denominator is Ken Corday. DAYS and Y&R both need a Ron Carlivati/Frank Valentini dream team.

PM was good years ago and that was the reason he went to Melrose Place (if I am correct), but this time around, his character was not fully developed and it was poorly written. He should have been paired with an older woman; he could have played the rescuer instead of Rafe. BTW, I like him — he is just a good egg with morals, and he appeals to minority viewers. I think it is a shame that PM and other who are leaving were not utilized. This show is like a yo-yo; if it does not work — get rid of this one, bring someone new in but don’t write for them either, and bring some one old back. Also, I remember when I was a kid, this show was the Julie hour; then the Marlena years, but whoever thinks obnoxious Sammy works needs to have his/her head examined.

Sami WORKS !!! She is the most complex and dynamic character on the canva HANDS DOWN, hate her, like her she is interesting to watch.
After that the writing stays bad, most of the storylines are weak and boring (except Sami stories actually) and they should use in a better way other characters..but really these bitter comments against Sami are pathetic and innacurate..without her this show would be EVEN MORE boring and the ‘haters’ would be frustrated with the search of another scapegoat..lol

it is the sami show… for good reason… like you said… she’s complex, and dynamic… no matter who she shares the screen with… she’s a viable… addition to this show… that being said… i’m most sad, about Carrie leaving… don’t you agree? that sammi and carrie… are the perfect two some, sisters, DAYS Heroines, that would center the show? I say his cause, carrie, of all the newcomers and returnee’s.. who’ve come back… she’s done the best work.

LOL. I’m not the only one who saw this… it was laugh out loud, entertaining… his eye contact, body language, hands flitting to and fro… camp entertainment.

altho, i couldn’t see him with Will. Dag! Even Carrie, was struggling with intimate sceneries… LOL. alas, we got the one good story with Austin and Salem’s HOT lil’ Vixen, Hot about town Abby.

with all due respect… the original, Austin, PM…. was nice to see…. The Writers lost him. DAYS – Keep Carrie. Hire Eileen Davidson, as Kristen, to helm the DiMera Empire and lock horns with Marlena.. over John.

I was so excited to watch Days again for Carrie and Austin. They are my favorite couple. Man, was I let down. After a 5-year hiatus, I came back to Days expecting love and romance with Carrie and Austin. Instead I suffered through 7+ months of crap only for my couple to be sent packing. Days has screwed me over for the last time—-when Carrie and Austin leave, I leave. If Carrie returns without Austin, I won’t watch. I want my couple back together!

Patrick is the right Austin. Austin Peck was good, but Patrick will always be the best. I don’t blame him. It was the horrible, awful, shoddy writing that did in Austin this time around. Peck would have floundered terribly with this writing because he just isn’t a strong actor. Patrick at least did his best with what he was given.

Such a shame. When Carrie, Austin, Jack, John and Marlena came back, I was really hoping Days was on the right track. Sadly, I’m done for good now. They blew all their chances.

This is such a sad thing. Austin really should have been given the chance to become a solid force — a strong man with a strong vision that could overshadow Carrie’s foolishness. And, the actor is SO good at his craft! What a sincere and believable Austin Reed he has created. I hope the best for Patrick — I am very impressed with his work.

As Patrick said, he needed a much stronger role. He is a strong actor and could have been good with the right character development and storyline. The problem is (was) that he was not right for the role they were giving him. Too bad that the writers, TPTB were not able to tap into his ability and potential. I would have liked to have seen him have his own story line – he would have made a great journalist investigating a story. They could have teamed him up with Jack. It is a shame they dropped the Afghanistan/Vet story line that could have been interesting. I saw someone say that he should have been teamed with Nicole. Yes, that could have been an interesting dynamic. Patrick needed to be with a stronger actress. Best of luck Patrick!

Back in the Day, Muldoon as the original Austin was fantastic. I was looking forward to his return. In truth, acting-wise, Muldoon is a a far better actor than he was years ago. He played his role full of emotion and truth, and even though the writing REALLY sucked these past few months, he did a good job portraying his role. However, and this is the sucky part, although Muldoon is a better actor these days, he just doesn’t have any chemistry with Carrie (Christie Clarke), and he no longer LOOKS like a young soap star stud (sorry). I found myself looking at Muldoon, and wishing that A Peck was back on. Peck is still hot and seems to have great chemistry with whomever he works with. Muldoon was great, way back when he started- but that was over 18 years ago. Perhaps he shouldn’t have been so quick to leave the show for “brighter pastures” back when the role was truly his.

Well said… this, it would seem, has happened, to both Austin and Billie. They are both, still, very likeable, and capable. Just wish the writing, and the producing… were better equipped to supporting their cast.

Glad he and Jack are leaving. Both are a bore because of the writers, and I prefer Carrie with Rafe. Bt Austin with Nicole would have been nice, at least as a short fling because EJole are written in the stars. Ian should leave, too, with Stefano. Both are useless and take up too much time with the same old storylines. I’d say to keep Carrie and Madison because the pairings of Cafe and Bradison are perfect. But why are Roman, Doug, Julie and Caroline still there when they do not do anything? Maggie and Victor are finally getting screentime, yay! But I think Jack and Austin are a waste of time.

R u kidding me. Patrick was, by far, the worse Austin Reed between the two. For the years he been acting. PM should be ashamed. There’s another interview doing the rounds were Pat is clearly puting the writers at fault. Pat it is not the writers fault. When u have a much older character paired up with a teen u going to have problems, this is N0T the fault of the writers. This is solely the fault of Patrick’s sick fanbase who wrote in to make that happen!! Patrick sucked with every actor he was paired up with, including Lauren K (his TV mom.) He had no chemistry what so ever opposite Christie Clark. Days writers did write for Patrick he was even given a different Career part. The Abby donors storyline was introduced that’s exactly where Pat left of. Sami was even banished from PM orbit. Days writers went far and beyond trying to make it work. Those that state otherwise clearly failed to watch in the early 90′s. PM expresses Austin should have beaten Rafe to a pulp. News flash Austin is suppose to be character that as worked passed that (PM version promised Carrie dad he would change so he would be allowed in her life) this Austin is new in town. It be unrealistic for him to fly off the handles. For every little. Thing Of cause Rafe was going to punch his lights out. The last time Pat’s Austin was in a fight he (took a bribe) and lost a fight. was punched out. In fact Pat version labeled a fighter has never “fought“ and successfully won So again the writers were playing off that. The whole Scrap book is reminiscent of Carrie and Austin ”when Carrie prawn of her earrings to buy Austin records. For his record player and. Austin selling his records to buy Carrie earrings back Then both of them realizing what they had done. It totally fits in with PM version of the 90. The only Austin that fought off a Rafe type , Lucas type , Ej type was Austin Peck’s version of Austin. Its funny how when it suits PM’s cause then Austin Reed should be like Pecks version. Its no secret that AP use to get in heat conversations with the writers over the writing of AR. And now that I think about it this could be why AP version never lost a beat down, when it came to Carrie. Only loosing to Brandon. Like another poster as said Patrick should have never left Dool in the first place when the role was truly his. These days The only Austin Reed that true Caustin fans care for is Austin Peck’s. AP has grown as and actor. I foved him on ATWT. Brad Snyder was freaken adorable, opposite Henry and Katie. I hope the days writers bring AP back. Because Carrie and Austin have a huge market. Believe me. Just as big as any other fanbase out there.the problem is when other fanbase start having an opinion.

Patrick muldoon was so a way better actor to played austin than peck was; the problem was the austin he played 15 yrs ago was a stronger man rugged and heartbreaker and he came played a water down version of what austin use to be. Austin peck verison is basically what pm had to played. He is better actor and need meatier material. Pm deserve better.

Hog wash Austin Peck version would never have been paired up with a little girl. Peck’s version would have share more scenes with Carrie!! Had more chemistry Every time Pat was paired up viewers and ratings sank! Pats voice. Is creepy Atleast when Peck was on he never affected the ratings, like Pat did. PM took a great character an has ruined it. Strong actor my foot if Pat was such a strong actor he would still be on the show. Because is acting would have saved him, like with Christie. Funny how patrick solely puts the blame on the writers. His return was a major fail. And I’m sure as damaged any future acting work.

Hey Well AP is back this time. Austin, Carrie, and Sami are back because of Will’s return from the grave storyline. Will’s return is going to be huge this January! Anna is behind it, Sami knows something, and I think Austin, Carrie will know something. Chandler Massey did say in a interview that he loved the uncle nephew chemistry with AP this time. Will’s return is going to have the town in chaos and Ryan Quan teased it’s not your average return from the dead! Alison Sweeney has signed a contract deal but did say that Sami’s return builds up to Austin, Carrie, and Will’s returns. When asked if the old Sami/Austin romance could be rekindled, Ali Sweeney did say Austin will be there for her through a lot of changes which upsets Carrie.

I like Patrick but let’s face it AP played the role longer and he made Austin dumb. PM no longer fit. It also sucks that he had to take a backseat to the “Great” Rafe whom it is clear the show is determined to feature among “others”.

I feel for Patrick because he’s a good actor but AP is who made the character dumb so Patrick coming back into the role just didn’t fit. Also It sucks that Austin had to take a backseat to “SuperRafe,” because its obvious that TPTB are determined to continue to feature Rafe all the time, (among others that shall remain unnamed). I always liked Austin with either actor in the role but he’s gone now and the REAL problem with Days will still be there.

My love affair with Days of Our Lives started years ago when Carrie, Austin, Sami and Lucas were still teenagers and just beginning their infamous triangle. Carrie and Austin were my couple. After several years of not watching the show, I was very excited to learn that the ORIGINAL Austin and Carrie were reunited and back on DOOL.

I was really disappointed. Austin had become a doormat, a wuss and Carrie belonged with Rafe. I never liked her with Mike Horton. That was just weird, but her and Rafe are reminiscent of everything that used to intrigue and attract me to Carrie and Austin.

I hate that the show keeps upsetting the balance. Rafe and Carrie are THE ONLY COUPLE WORTH WATCHING (Sami and EJ are quite good but there is not enough good) and it was cheap of them to have Carrie explain, in her going away speech, that the writers wanted us to start rooting for Rafe and Sami again. Booooooooooooo!!!!!!

Sami has her hands full with Lucas and EJ. They do not need to send Carrie away…they need to explore the chemistry between Rafe and Carrie and forget about Sami and Rafe.

AP’s Austin was really paired with Sami and Austin a lot too. So expect to see a lot of Sami/Austin/Carrie fued reunite. I wonder if Lucas or Rafe will be thrown in the mix this time. At least Will is back and alive!

Terrible, just terrible…the writing staff are absolutely murdering my beloved soap with each passing year, and things just keep getting worse. PM is Austin Reed..point, blank, period! This man did an amazing job with his portrayal as AR, back in the early ’90s, and it’s unbelievable how callus the producers/writing staff/behind the scenes b*****ds are in treating PM as though he never even extisted to begin with. I am an ’80s baby (1981), and started becoming aware of DOOL in 1987. And I must say, Bo & Hope were my favorites from day one. But, it wasn’t until my childhood CRUSH made his debut in 1993, that really made my heart skip a beat or two…Mr. Lucas Horton (Bryan Dattilo) *sighs in total bliss* lol. Not much has changed nowadays, and it’s pretty simple – when Lucas leaves, I leave! I adore John & Marlena, Bo & Hope, Shawn D & Belle (whom I miss dearly), Kate, Lexi, Sami (preferably when she’s taking care of house and home with Lucas and Will).. hell, I even enjoy tuning in to see Doug & Julie.. but, having to suffer through an hr with newbie trash such as Rafe?… never. And having to witness yet another filthy, underhanded scheme from psychotic rapist EJ?… no thanks. And don’t even get me started with that annoying, loud-mouth, hot-headded, disrespectful flea Melanie. Just when you decide to give one new character a chance, 3 more appear, and i’m over it! DOOL are constantly trying to up the ante, and force-feed the viewers with what they think will suffice. These questionable decisions are beginning to destroy the very foundation that this timeless soap was built upon. So, again, If it’s not about Lucas, then I can, and will, do without!

I agree!! PM is Austin Reed and Melanie is indeed a flea lol! Where I live, we are a year behind the US and Austin and Carrie are still on screen. I love Patrick Muldoon as Austin, much as I did when I was a teenager in the early 90′s (I had such a crush on him!). He and Christie have great chemistry as Austin and Carrie and I will miss them both when they leave our screens. If the whole Carrie-Rafe love triangle is an indication of where DOOL is heading, not sure I’ll keep watching.

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